Bean soup with smoked meat

Bean Soup with Smoked Meat

I invite you to embark on a culinary adventure with a traditional recipe, filled with warmth and nostalgia: bean soup with smoked meat. This dish is not just a simple soup; it's a true celebration for the senses, combining the delicate texture of green beans with the intense flavor of smoked meats and fresh vegetables. It's the perfect recipe for chilly autumn or winter days when the soul longs for comfort and warmth.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:

1. 1.5 kg of yellow flat green beans
2. 2 carrots
3. 1 parsnip
4. 1 parsley root
5. 1 celery root (about the size of an egg)
6. 2 bell peppers
7. 1 onion
8. 800 g of smoked pork shoulder
9. 5-6 large tomatoes
10. 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
11. 1 bunch of fresh parsley
12. 1 sprig of fresh lovage
13. 100 ml of oil
14. Salt, to taste

Step by step for a perfect soup:

1. Cleaning and preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning the green beans. Cut them into pieces about 3-4 cm long, or you can break them by hand for a more rustic texture. Rinse the smoked pork bones under cold running water to remove any impurities.

2. Boiling the bones: Place the bones in cold water in a large pot and bring to a boil. Make sure to skim off any foam that forms on the surface with a ladle. This step is important for obtaining a clear and flavorful broth.

3. Adding the beans: Once you've skimmed off all the foam, add the green beans to the pot. Let them boil together with the bones for about 30 minutes over medium heat.

4. Preparing the vegetables: In the meantime, clean and finely chop the vegetables: carrots, parsnip, parsley root, and celery. These will add sweetness and depth to the soup. In a large skillet, heat the oil, add the chopped onion, and sauté until it becomes translucent.

5. Adding the root vegetables: Once the onion is sautéed, add the carrots, parsnip, celery, and diced bell peppers. Sauté for a few minutes, then add the diced tomatoes and a cup of water. Let the vegetables simmer on low heat until they become tender.

6. Combining the ingredients: When the beans are almost cooked, add the sautéed vegetables, tomato paste, and season with salt. Let all the ingredients simmer together for another 10-15 minutes for the flavors to meld perfectly.

7. Finishing the dish: Once everything is well-cooked, add the chopped parsley and lovage, stirring gently. Turn off the heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving.

8. Serving: The bean soup is served hot, with a dollop of sour cream on top for added creaminess. Personally, I like to add green onions or hot peppers for a spicy and fresh kick. You can accompany this dish with a slice of homemade bread, freshly baked, to soak up every drop of the soup.

Useful tips:

- Choosing ingredients: Make sure the green beans are fresh and crunchy, and that the smoked meat is of high quality to achieve a soup with an intense and pleasant flavor.
- Vegetarian option: If you prefer a lighter version, you can replace the smoked meat with mushrooms or soy flour, adding more spices to enhance the flavors.
- Frequently asked questions: You can store the soup in the fridge for 2-3 days, and to improve its flavor, I recommend reheating it the next day when the tastes have melded even better.

Nutritional benefits:

Bean soup is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Green beans are rich in plant-based proteins, while the vegetables provide antioxidants essential for our health. A serving of this soup offers about 350 calories, making it a nutritious and filling choice.

Recommended pairings:

This soup pairs wonderfully with a dry white wine or a fragrant herbal tea that will perfectly complement the dish's flavors. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad dressed with lemon for a refreshing contrast.

I hope this recipe for bean soup with smoked meat inspires you to bring a touch of tradition into your kitchen. With every spoonful, you'll feel the warmth and love that lies behind this delicious dish!

 Ingredients: 1 and 1/2 kg of yellow broad beans, 2 carrots, 1 parsnip root, 1 parsley root, 1 celery root (about the size of an egg), 2 bell peppers, 1 onion, 800 g of smoked pork spine, 5-6 large tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 bunch of fresh parsley, 1 sprig of green lovage, 100 ml of oil.